"It was a no brainer - we want them all!"

I can turn a rough morning, an over-it toddler, and a "we all look like we haven't slept in years" kind of day into a gallery you'll want every image from. That's the job, and after years of doing this, I'm genuinely good at it.

But here's the truth: a great single session is never as good as the tenth one.

I've been photographing one family since their daughter was five months old - through her whole first year of milestones, and now her baby brother's too. A few weeks ago they came in on one of those days - tired, frazzled, not feeling especially photogenic. By the time the gallery landed in their inbox, they wanted every single image.

That's not luck. Three years in, those kids know me. They know the studio, they know how I work, they know my patience. Because they're relaxed, everyone relaxes - nobody's stiff, nobody's performing. We've built a bond, and it shows in every frame.

That's the real case for sticking with the same photographer as your family grows. Not because I can't get you a great shot on day one - I can. It's because every session after that gets easier, warmer, and more honestly you. Familiarity is what actually makes for better photos, not a good hair day or perfect timing.

And, every session with this family, we've also done a "squish" photo - mum and dad pressing a kiss on either side of baby's cheeks. Unposed, a little chaotic; their favourite way - and mine - to watch this little one change year to year.

If that's the kind of relationship you want with your family's photos - one that gets better every year - let's start that with yours.